Fall in Michigan & Wedding Bells

Sculptures in the Fred Meyer Garden

Greg enjoying the Fred Meyer Gardens

Beautiful fall color

Bride and Groom: Doug and Kate Harrison

We had the great opportunity of attending Greg's college roommates wedding this past weekend in Michigan (Grand Rapids). So much fun! The boys had not seen each other in 14 years.

The rehearsal dinner was held at the bride's parents entertainment home overlooking a lake. The festivites included tri-tip steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and lots of beverages. The groom made corn hole games for everyone in the wedding party.

The wedding was held at a quaint church in Grand Rapids with the reception being at Fred Meyer's Garden. This was a beautiful garden with sculptures, indoor green houses and a great reception hall overlooking a lake. The guests were welcomed to the reception with a "funny photo" experience where you could use different props posing for a unique photo shoot. There was also a "make your own favor" table which consisted of filling a small bag with candy (malt milk balls, pear jelly beans, and after-dinner mints).

There was a great slide show displaying photos of the bride and groom separately, photos together, and then photos of their actual wedding day (which were taken earlier in the day). The speech from the bride's father was very emotional and heartfelt - great speaker with motivating words. We loved this wedding!

We spent half the day Sunday visiting Greg's parents in Manton, MI (a 2 hr drive from Grand Rapids). The colorful drive was beautiful! Fall has really set in Michigan. The remainder of the day was a dinner with the bridge and groom.

Such a great trip!
V

41

Birthday Boy

Today is Greg's second full day at being 41! He's only gotten wiser since the last celebration and definitely smarter. Some of his friends call him "The Professor". I call myself lucky. I am so grateful to have such a loving and supportive husband. Can't wait to celebrate the next forever birthdays with him.

Cheers and Happy 41st Birthday (which was yesterday but I didn't get to post because we finally got our kitchen counter - a good present for Greg too).

Spine

Carrie Underwood brings chills to my spine when I see her in concert! This woman is amazing! Not only is she beautiful, her voice reels you in and is captivating.
We saw her last night in Stockton, CA and her performance was none other than 110%. This was the second time this year that I had a chance to see her show and I wish I could go 10 more times.

I loved all her songs (Play On Tour), outfits, stage productions, opening acts (Sons of Silvia and Billy Currington).

Can't wait to see her 2011 tour!

Labor Day Recap

Hi all,
I know I'm behind with my postings - can't seem to keep on track these days.

Had a great Labor Day weekend full of fun and adventure.

Greg and I spent 5 days in So Cal (Newport Beach). We were in heaven! Some parts reminded me of Maui.

Our timeshare (Newport Coast Villas) spoiled us - one block from the beach and a 5-star resort environment brought smiles to our faces.

I was able to check off one item from my Bucket List. We hiked up to the Hollywood sign - great hike uphill. You can't get closer than 50 feet from the sign but the view was awesome (I even stood at the gate where Ail (the Bachlorette) walked thru to get to the base of the sign).

We tried a new eatery (Saddleranch off Sunset). It was quite a unique place with a mechanical bull and a great menu. They even serve cotton candy for dessert!

We enjoyed our walks along the beach, visited San Juan Capistrano (got some killer photos there - which I will share later), went to the Crab Cooker (world famous restaurant), enjoyed strolls on the piers, had dinner with a friend, and even caught a movie.

Can't wait to use our timeshare again (hopefully in the spring).
V

15 Things

1. I hate messes and clutter and my under-construction home is making me crazy.
2. I love my children.
3. No matter where I'm at, I try to live in the present.
4. Not too happy that Christmas is quickly creeping up on us.
5. Had a wonderful weekend with my family.
6. Wish I could decorate my home with fall decorations but since it's chaos, no can do.
7. Planning for my 2011 vacation.
8. Wish I could cook at home - eating out every night is getting tiring (and very fattening).
9. Looking foward to my personal training session/overview today.
10. I feel like I'm behind and unorganzied.
11. Am thankful that I am healthy.
12. I'm behind on my blogging and POTD album. Need to catch up.
13. Can't stand the fact that daylight savings is soon gone.
14. Looking forward to the Carrie Underwood concert.
15. Am blessed to having a loving husband.

To the Stars.....

We are headed for Newport Beach this weekend for a 5-day vacation - YIPEE! So love that area; the beaches, the weather, the glitz and glamour, the famous people (and the not-so-famous), the street performers, the yummy eateries, the ocean breeze. I love it all! Of course we'll hit up Hollywood, Sunset, and Beverly Hills; take a stroll through San Diego, and get our feet wet at Redondo Beach.
Can't wait!

Full update next week.
Have a great and safe holiday weekend.
Happy trails,
V